I fully respect and uphold the code of conduct for Members of the European Parliament. The code of conduct is a set of principles that MEPs shall act solely in the public interest and conduct their work with integrity, openness, diligence, honesty, accountability and respect for the European Parliament's reputation.

Salary

The monthly pre-tax salary of MEPs is €7.956,87. My salary is paid from Parliament's budget and is subject to Irish tax and EU tax, after which the salary is €4,770 per month. The basic salary is set at 38.5% of the basic salary of a judge at the European Court of Justice.

Travel and allowances

My travel expenses are reimbursed at face value upon the presentation of proof of travel and receipts. On average I have a return flight from Ireland to Brussels each week and flights once a month to Strasbourg for the plenary session. I am also a Chairman of the Parliamentary delegation to Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and the EEA JPC, which requires me to travel to these countries at least once a year. While in Brussels and Strasbourg, I also receive a daily allowance which is to cover accommodation and related costs. MEPs are also provided with a general expenditure allowance to cover the cost of constituency offices.

Oireachtas Pension

I have supported charitable and worthy causes throughout my career in public life and having served as a Minister of State on several occasions, I receive a Ministerial pension, which I gift the entire amount to charitable and worthy causes. As a TD from 1981 to 1997 and from 2002 to 2009, I receive a contributory pension. I also donate the entire amount of this pension to charitable and worthy causes.